Bradley Walsh's The Chase, meanwhile, averaged 3.41m (22.2%) across the entire 5pm hour - still an impressive figure which consolidates its place as the broadcaster's biggest teatime show since Paul O'Grady.

The BBC's axing of afternoon children's programs on its flagship channel has meant that Pointless inherits stronger audiences now.

Elsewhere on Friday (February 8), Great Night Out - ITV's struggling weeknight comedy drama set in Stockport - rose to 3.23m (14.1%) in the 9pm hour as well as 193k on +1.

While recording its best figure since it kicked off in mid-January, Friday's audience is still below ITV's slot average, meaning the show is unlikely to be rewarded a second run.